This Old Runner Writes About Running

Reminder: Shark Week is Here!

8/8/2020

It's Here! It's Here! Discovery Channel Shark Week is Here!

Every year, Knockaround teams up with Discovery Channel to create an awesome pair of Shark Week shades. This year it's Knockaround Shark Week Fort Knocks.

When you grab a pair, they'll make a $5 donation to Oceana.org to help protect the earth's water. You'll look great, protect your eyes, and help save our oceans!

#KnockFan #BibChat #SharkWeek2020 #WinWin #TeamEarth

Review: Extreme Fit Compression Socks

7/23/2020

I Tested Extreme Fit Compression Socks for 30 Days

While I didn't wear my Extreme Fit compression socks EVERY DAY for a month, I did wear them often. I wore them for runs, and I wore them a lot for recovery after my workouts.

Keep reading to get my take on these socks for runners and others.

Picture of a runner wearing compression socks for recovery after a workout.

Extreme Fit USA compression socks are MUAH! I wore them while running, and for recovery after workouts. I like how they make my legs feel. I also like the fun colors and styles. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Disclaimer: I received ExtremeFit compression socks to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Extreme Fit USA Has a Variety of Styles and Colors

The first pair of compression socks I bought were black. (Yawn!) They did the job, but they looked so serious.

If I know one thing about runners it's that they love bright colors and fun outfits. Boring isn't a problem with Extreme Fit compression socks. There are so many options, it's easy to find your perfect pair of socks.

They offer Glow-in-the-Dark, Reflective, and Bright Colorful Patterns. These fun designs come in a variety of styles, too. Compression socks and sleeves come in:

Knee-high
Thigh-high
Ankle-high
Full-length Tights
Full-length Sleeves
Arm Compression Sleeves

You'll find whatever style you want to help you run and recover.

If you want to celebrate a holiday or themed event, you'll find what you need. Running the Space Coast — grab some rockets. Racing on Valentine's Day, no problem!

Reflective and Glow in the Dark Socks

Picture of 3 pairs of glow in the dark compression socks by Extreme Fit USA.

These socks glow when you run at dusk, night or early morning. Visibility is a great thing for runners. (Photo credit: Extreme Fit)

Close up image of unicorn glow in the dark compression sock.

Hold these unicorn compression stocks under a bright light for 5 minutes to get them to glow in the dark. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Photo of reflective compression socks. Black with gray stripes.

Reflective socks in daylight. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Photo of light hitting reflective compression socks.

Reflective stripes when light hits them. Perfect for nighttime running. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

How Did They Fit?

My socks were all S-M size. That's size 5 to 9.5 for men, size 6-9.5 for women. I found the sizing to be true to size. I wear size 8 in regular shoes, 9.5 in running shoes.

These socks all felt good to me. I had plenty of room in the sock for my toes. The compression wasn't too tight, but it did its job.

The graduated compression socks were snug. They hugged my legs, but weren't hard to put on or take off. Believe me, that's what you want. I've had compression socks in the past that were so tight I considered cutting them off!

Close up photo of the toes on compression socks by Extreme Fit USA.

The sock seam is placed above your toes. That means you won't land or rub against it while running. I love it in this position rather than under your toes, or at the very edge of the sock. (Photo credit: this Old Runner)

Closeup of the underside of the sock on Extreme Fit USA compression socks.

There's no seam underneath your foot. No chance of discomfort while you're running or recovering! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

A big positive for these socks is the location of the seam in the sock. It's above your toes, not under them.

If the seam is under your foot it can be annoying and uncomfortable. You're foot will hit the seam on every footfall.

When the seam is at the extreme tip of the sock, it can irritate your toes as they slide forward inside your shoe.

That's why positioning the seam above your toes is a great move. If you're shoes are sized correctly (with plenty of room in the toe box) you won't feel the seam while you're running.

I never had any problems when running in these socks. I credit a proper fit and ideal seam placement for my comfort.

Wearing Compression During and After a Run

I put on compression socks for my long runs. If I'm going out for more than 5+ miles, I appreciate the increased blood flow to my legs. Plus, my legs aren't as tired after a long run when I wear the socks.

I've worn compression socks during half-marathons and multi-race one day challenges.

The fun part of the Extreme Fit USA socks was the variety of styles. People smile when you run by them while wearing pink zebra socks!

Recovery is the important part of compression socks for me. If I run, then spend a long day doing gardening/yard work, I put on a pair for a couple of hours of recovery.

Compression makes a HUGE difference in how I feel the next day. It increases blood flow and speeds recovery. Since I've been wearing the socks more often I have less aches and pains.

Picture of runner wearing pink compression socks with zebras on them.

I like to wear compression socks for my longer runs. They keep my blood flowing to my legs, and reduce fatigue. Bonus points when the socks match my shoes! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Photo of lilac colored compression socks with decorative polka dots in several colors.

I also wear compression socks AFTER a workout. I've been adding compression socks to my recovery routine. I'll wear them for a couple of hours after an extra hard day/workout. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

SAVE 20% On Any Purchase of $50 or More

Use my discount code: "BRP20" to SAVE 20% on your entire order of $50 or more. That's a great deal!

Make your money go farther with the code + current sale pricing. For example, the Beverly Hills Compression Socks six-pack is on sale for $44.99 right now! Time to stock up.

Rendering of 6-pack of knee high compression socks called Beverly Hills. Extreme Fit USA.

Save 20% on the knee-high Beverly Hills 6-pack with "BRP20" (Photo credit: Extreme Fit USA)

Photo of a set of six low rise compression socks by Extreme Fit USA.

Use the discount code to save on ankle height compression socks. They're on sale right now, too! (Photo credit: Extreme Fit USA)

Image of man putting his foot into a running shoe while wearing compression socks.

Ankle height compression socks. (Photo credit: Extreme Fit USA)

Find Out What Other BibRave Pros Discovered While Testing Extreme Fit Compression Socks

So, that's my take on Extreme Fit compression socks. They were true-to-size, comfortable, and aided in my recovery. They also reduced fatigue on long runs.

But maybe you want another opinion? No problem! Click on any of the links below to see what my fellow BibRave Pros thought after testing Extreme Fit socks.

Read My Previous Blog: Should Runners Wear Compression Socks?

Join Me for the 2020 Air Force Marathon Fly! Fight! Win! Challenge in September

7/17/2020

I'm as disappointed as every other runner who's watched their race calendar fall apart due to COVID-19, but today I found a bright spot.

In the past, the only way I could participate in the #AFMarathon was to show up in Dayton, Ohio in September. That's hard when you live far, far away (Florida resident here).

Banner for the 24th annual Air Force Marathon

Last month, the Air Force Marathon converted into a virtual race. That was great news for me.

It means, I can run to honor all the brilliant Air Force Officers I know and love without traveling to Dayton, OH.

This opportunity feels especially poignant for me because my favorite AF officer died last month.

Running the #AFMarathon this year feels exactly right. So, I went all in with the Fly! Fight! Win! Half Challenge. That's a 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon in honor of all my favorite flyers!

Keep reading to learn more and get a discount for your race!

FRF. USAF Navigator, 1957.

Disclaimer: I received registration for the Air Force Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

Choose Your Virtual #AFMarathon Distance

You'll run or walk the distance you choose at your own pace. You'll have plenty of choices when it comes to how far you want to run.

2020 distances include:

5K ($30)
10K ($40)
Half Marathon ($85)
Full Marathon ($95)
Fly! Fight! Win! Challenge Series ($150)
• 5K + 10K + Marathon
• 5K + 10K + Half Marathon
Tailwind Trot 1K Kids Race ($18)

NOTE: There is special pricing for active duty personnel. Choose the Active Duty-Guard-Reserve button when you register.

After you choose your race, pick your personal race day. You must run sometime between September 1-30.

Since this is a virtual event, you run your race wherever you are. You pick your start and finish line. It can be on a treadmill, track, trail or in your neighborhood.

SAVE 10% When You Register with Discount Code "AFMBibRave20"

Check Out the 2020 Air Force Marathon SWAG

Participants who register and run the virtual 5K, 10K, Half or Full Marathon receive:

Official Race Bib
Access to Virtual Health & Fitness Expo
Official Long Sleeve Race Shirt
Commemorative Patch (if selected)
Official Finisher Medal for Your Distance

Everyone is urged to run your event in one day, at one time, like you would for an in-person race. This makes it easier to upload your results to the results page.

If you're running the half or full Fly! Fight! Win! Challenge Series, you can run each event on separate days, just like you would in person.

2020 long sleeve official race shirt for the Air Force Marathon.

This is the official 2020 race shirt every racer earns. (Photo credit: @AFMarathon)

Image of the 2020 Air Force Marathon finisher medal

All racers (5K, 10K, Half, Full, Challenge) receive the official 2020 Air Force Marathon Finisher Medal! (Photo Credit: @AFMarathon)

Commemorative race patch for the 2020 Air Force Marathon.

Add a free commemorative patch to your swag bag! Look for the option and check the box when you register. (Photo credit: @AFMarathon)

Bonus SWAG for Fly! Fight! Win! Challenge

View of the extra swag runners get when they run the AF Marathon Challenge. Extra medal, pullover, and long sleeve shirt.

Rendering of the additional swag that Fly! Fight! Win! challenge participants receive. (Photo credit: @AFMarathon)

All Challenge Series participants who register for the virtual event receive:

Official Race Bib
Access to Virtual Health & Fitness Expo
Official 2020 Race Long Sleeve
Challenge Series Long Sleeve Shirt
Commemorative Patch (if selected)
3 Official Finisher Medals
1 Challenge Series Spinner Medal
Challenge Series Quarter Zip Pullover

Packet Pickup

The race hopes to offer in-person pickup for local participants. If you can't pick up in person, you'll get your swag by mail. Race packets will be mailed to the address you provided at registration.

Submit Your Virtual Race Results

Complete your three virtual event distances on any three days between September 1-30, 2020.
If possible, track your race with a GPS-tracking app to confirm your mileage and time.

After you complete your race, upload your finish times to the results page. The link to the results page will be available soon.

Don't forget to post your race on social media. Show us your starting line, race course, and finish line success! Tag your posts with #FlyAFM so we can cheer and congratulate each other!

Register Soon! I'll See You at the Starting Line!

#FaceMask #ExtremeFitBR #KeepMoving #BestDamnRace #BrighterDaysAhead #BibChat #RunStPete #RunFlorida #RunPA #WeRunSocial #MovePittsburgh #Run412 #OptOutside #FLRunner #ThisOldRunner #HoorayRunning #BibRavePro #EverySingleStreet #RunEveryStreet #RunYourTown #VirtualRace #BDRFloridaChallenge #EverySinglePerson #AFMaraBR #FlyAFM #USAF #AirForceMarathon #AFMarathonChallenge

The Perfect Sunnies for Shark Week 2020

7/15/2020

Disclosure: If you make a purchase after clicking on my links you won't pay a penny more, but we may get a small commission

Close up view of special edition Shark Week Fort Knocks sunglasses by Knockaround. Available for a limited time. Translucent blue frames with gold polarized lenses. Shark graphics on the frames.

Photo Credit: Knockaround

Cue the theme from the movie JAWS...
Discovery's Shark Week is back August 9th. Knockaround has the perfect pair of shark-inspired sunglasses for you: Shark Week Fort Knocks! Don't go in or near the water without 'em!

Shark Week Fort Knocks Limited Edition

The Shark Week Fort Knocks feature durable frames and full UV400 sun protection. That's a great combo for any Summertime activity.

The translucent frames are deep blue at the top and fade light turquoise. Take a close look at the front and you'll see a pattern of razor-sharp sharks teeth over the gold lenses. The arms host a shiver of sharks in the ocean with a Great White in the foreground.

Every pair comes in a Great White Shark microfiber pouch. The pouch protects your glasses and doubles as a lens cleaner. Your shades arrive in special Shark Week packaging.

Don't Miss Out on this Special Edition:

Limited Quantity
Polarized Submarine-gold Lenses
Shark Week Etching on Lens
Great White Shark Protective Pouch
Shark Week Packaging
Impact Resistant Lenses
UV400 protection
$5 Donation to Oceana.org for Every Pair Sold

You can protect your eyes, and the ocean, when you buy a pair of Shark Week Fort Knocks.

Shark Week Fort Knocks sunglasses show from the side feature a Great White Shark graphic on an ocean background. Translucent blue frames transition from deep sea blue to aqua.

Check out the Great White on the side arm! Order soon for free shipping. Photo Credit: Knockaround.

Knockaround Donates $5 From Every Sale of Shark Week Fort Knocks to Help Protect Our Oceans

For the 6th year, Knockaround will donate to Oceana.org. $5 from every pair sold help with efforts to protect the oceans. Oceana is dedicated to protecting and restoring the world's oceans.

Oceana was founded in 2001. It's the largest international advocacy organization focused on ocean conservation.

Isn't it a great feeling when your sunglasses can help protect the ocean's inhabitants?!

Free Shipping is available on Knockaround Sunglasses for a limited time.

Hot Weather Running Hack: How to Make an Ice Necklace with Classic Buff Headwear

7/14/2020

I say this EVERY Summer because it's true. Make yourself an ice necklace to stay cooler when you're working or playing outside in the heat!

My ice necklace is better than ever because my new BUFF is super-stretchy wicking material. It’s easy to slip on when it’s packed with ice. Check my easy DIY Running Hack below.

Make an Ice Necklace
to Beat the Summer Heat

1. Grab a Classic BUFF®

If you use the classic BUFF® headwear you'll have an easier time making your ice necklace. The classic is longer than a headband and holds more cubes! More ice equals more cooling.

FYI: BUFF® CoolNet UV+® Multifunctional Headwear is 95% recycled. It's made with performance microfiber, cooling technology, and odor control. Perfect, right? Well there's more. The 4-way, seamless, ultra stretch material gives you UPF 50+ sun protection. That means you're cooling your neck AND protecting it from too much sun.

2. Gather Some Ice

Image of a BibRave classic Buff headwear with 6 ice cubes laying on it. There's a hat and sunglasses on the left side of the photo.

Nope, Get More Ice

It's hot out there. The ice is gonna melt as soon as you start to move. The beauty of the BUFF® is there's plenty of room to stuff it FULL of ice. The super-stretchy material means you can put in lots 'o' ice!

Close up of a lot of ice on top of the classic Buff headwear.

3. Stuff The Ice Into Your Buff

Fold the BUFF® in half to form a pocket for your ice. Fill 'er up with the cubes.

Super close photo of ice inside a classic Buff headwear.

4. Fold the BUFF® Over to Create a Necklace

Fold the Buff over onto itself to make an ice necklace like you see below.

Ice-filled headwear is folded over to enclose the ice inside and create a necklace.

5. Put on Your Ice Necklace

The super stretch CoolNet UV fabric makes it easy to put the icy BUFF® on over your head.

Photo of woman smiling while wearing an ice necklace, sunglasses, and hat.

6. Stay Cool While You Run, Walk or Mow the Lawn

Check out my lawn-mowing, ice necklace-wearing pic below. I kept my body temp down with the ice water dripping down my front and back from the BUFF®.

After the ice melted, my shirt and BUFF® stayed cool. I looked soaking wet, but guess what?! I didn't overheat on a very hot Florida day. Please note, I also drank my electrolytes before, during, and after working in the yard.

Lawn mower sitting next to freshly cut lawn.

Woman wearing an ice necklace after mowing the yard. The ice inside the Buff necklace has melted.

So, there you have it. Grab some cool and UV protection with an ice necklace before you go on a run or workout in the Summer heat.

#BestDamnRace #BrighterDaysAhead #BibChat #RunFlorida #RunPA #WeRunSocial #MovePittsburgh #OptOutside #FLRunner #ThisOldRunner #HoorayRunning #BibRavePro #RunEveryStreet #EverySingleStreet #BDRChallenge #BDRFloridaChallenge #SeenOnARun #SceneOnARun #EverySinglePerson #BuffRunBR #SummerKnocksBR #KeepYourDistance #Plogging #TeamEarth #ThisOldRunner #RunningHack #HotWeatherRunning

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